'Young Wallander': Meet Adam Pålsson, Richard Dillane and rest of the cast of Netflix's detective series

'Young Wallander' focuses on the formative experiences — professional and personal — faced by Kurt as a recently graduated police officer in his early twenties
(Netflix)
(Netflix)

Netflix is bringing a modern-day take on the legendary Nordic noir story of detective Kurt Wallander.

'Young Wallander' is set to be a "young, edgy and modern series" that sees Henning Mankell's iconic detective Wallander investigating his gripping first case. Mankell, who is often referred to as "the father of Nordic noir", writes the intense story of a detective who has a high sense of empathy. These stories provide inspiration for the new Netflix series. Ole Endresen and Jens Jonsson are directing from a script written by Anoo Bhagavan and Benjamin Harris. 

'Young Wallander' focuses on the formative experiences — professional and personal — faced by Kurt as a recently graduated police officer in his early twenties. As he is confronted with the violence and brutality in Ystad, he must figure out how to be a good detective. 

The six-part series is set to premiere on Netflix on September 3, 2020. But before that, meet the cast. 

Adam Pålsson as Kurt Wallander

(Netflix)

Pålsson is set to play the role of a young Kurt Wallander, just out of the police academy and fresh on the field. He is thrust into the wilderness rather suddenly and finds himself grappling.

The actor has written and performed his own version of Hamlet, inspired by William Shakespeare and Heiner Müller, at Stockholms Stadsteater in 2010, a performance for which he is well known. But he is perhaps best known for his role in Jonas Gardell's 'Don't Ever Wipe Tears Without Gloves'; for 'Ted: För kärlekens skull', a 2018 biopic about the Swedish singer/songwriter Ted Gärdestad; and for a major role in the third series of 'The Bridge'. Pålsson used to be the lead singer in an indie rock group ÅR&DAR.

Richard Dillane as Superintendent Hemberg

Dillane in 'Foyle's War' (IMDb)

Playing the role of Superintendent Hemberg, Dillane gives Wallander his first ever case as a detective moving him to major crimes. The actor is best known for his work in the political thriller 'Argo' and 'Oranges and Sunshine'. He played Wernher von Braun in the BBC television docudrama 'Space Race'. His recent television work includes 'Giri/Haji', 'The Last Kingdom', 'Peaky Blinders', 'Counterpart', 'Outlander' and 'The Last Post'. 

Leanne Best as Frida Rask

Actress Leanne Best attends a preview screening of 'Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool' at FACT on November 13, 2017, in Liverpool, England (Getty Images)

Best plays the role of Rask, Kurt's senior in the police force and an investigator on the same case as his. The actress is best known for her role as Jane Cobden in 'Ripper Street', Celia Donnelly in 'Fortitude' and the titular role in 'The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death'. She also appeared in the sequel 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'. More recently, the actress appeared in ITV's comedy 'Cold Feet' as Tina Reynolds.

Ellise Chappell as Mona

Ellise Chappell attends the Vanity Fair EE Rising Star BAFTAs Pre Party at The Standard on January 22, 2020, in London, England (Getty Images)

Chappell is set to play the role of Mona, Wallander's love interest. If you've read the books or watched the other Wallander shows or movies, they get married later on. It will be interesting to watch them in that pursuit though. The actress is best known for her work as Morwenna Chynoweth in 'Poldark' and as Jennifer Strange in 'The Last Dragonslayer'.  



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Netflix announced the return of the Omar Sy's gentleman thief coming back to screens after a lengthy hiatus.
4 hours ago
Netflix released the photo and teaser of the series currently on the floors in Atlanta, and pencilled for a 2027 release
5 hours ago
Season 3 of 'High Potential' is expected to release in January 2027, and the show's star shared her two cents on what she wanted to see
5 hours ago
In an exclusive sitdown with MEAWW, Darin Toonder also recalled the one fan comment that left him in stitches
6 hours ago
Supriya Ganesh's exit at the end of Season 2 drew a ton of backlash from fans, who suspected on-set drama was to blame for her unexpected departure.
7 hours ago
The third installment of the series is based on the second half of the video game 'The Last of Us Part II' and will focus on Abby's story
9 hours ago
Apple TV achieves EGOT status with ‘Schmigadoon!’s ‘Best Musical’ win at 2026 Tony Awards
11 hours ago
'FROM' is created by John Griffin and focuses on a small town that traps everyone inside
11 hours ago
Pauley Perrette played forensic scientist Dr. Abby Sciuto and often shared the screen with Brian Dietzen's Dr. Jimmy Palmer
12 hours ago
Lestat takes over the world as a rockstar as new relationships and more twists surface in the 'Immortal Universe.'
17 hours ago